Memorial Day Activities in New Rochelle Begin at Glen Island

The Memorial Day weekend kicks of Saturday, May 25, with a celebration at Glen Island Park presented by the United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association of New Rochelle.

Organizer Peter Parente said the event starts at 1 p.m. with a Memorial Day service lasting about a half hour. The guest speaker will be Major Genl. Juan Ayala, the inspector general of the Marine Corps.

"This year we are honoring our New Rochelle Fire Department, Police Department and EMS as first responders and those who have fallen in the line of duty from New Rochelle," Parente said.

Military units from the surrounding area have been invited to attend, and there will be entertainment throughout the day, including the American Bombshells.

At 6 p.m., Blood, Sweat and Tears will be performing.

Parente said the event, which continues through 8 p.m. will have food catered by AJ's Burgers, Pronto Pizza and the Veterans Association. There will also be arts and crafts, face painting, a magician and other activities.

"This is an opportunity for the community of New Rochelle to show its appreciation for those who never came home," Parente said.

"We want to make sure those people are always remembered," he said.
The parking fee will be $5. Parente said no county pass will be required.

At 9 a.m.  Sunday, May 26, there will be a ceremony at Beechwood Cemetery. Afterward, the grave flags will be replaced there and at Holy Sepulcre.

Parente said there will be a brief wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Memorial Plaza. There will be no Memorial Day Parade this year.